no lookey sez bush

[Dan Scanlan <dscanlan@xxxxxxx>]

CauseNET for November 20, 2003

EYE ON IRAQ - President Bush Says 'No' To More Transparency

The already limited powers of the newly created Inspector General
position in Iraq received another blow when President Bush indicated
he would further restrict its powers to conduct investigations.

Upon signing the $87 billion emergency supplemental bill to fund
military and reconstruction costs in Iraq, President Bush released a
statement announcing that the Inspector General in Iraq, "shall
refrain from initiating, carrying out or completing an audit or
investigation or from issuing a subpoena which requires access to
sensitive operation plans" due to reasons of national security.

The office of the Inspector General traditionally has been
responsible for matters relating to the prevention of fraud, waste,
and abuse.  The kinds of restrictions the President has placed on the
Inspector General in Iraq seem to go beyond restrictions placed on
Inspector Generals in other government agencies.

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) expressed outrage with the President's
decision, "It is yet another example of the administration's penchant
for ducking public scrutiny in the name of national security."

The President's action drew criticism from Republicans as well.
Chairman of the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee,
Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) said, "The suggestion that the
inspector general would not have access to classified documents,
that's preposterous. He's got to have access to those documents in
order to do his job."

The role of the Inspector General in Iraq is to oversee the
reconstruction process, not military operations. We believe it is
critical that Congress exercise its oversight authority to ensure
that the rebuilding of Iraq is conducted wisely, fairly and with as
much transparency as possible.

ACTION:  Write a Letter to the Editor on this issue to your local
newspaper.  http://capwiz.com/afr/utr/1/CLHGCKCRYB/AWYFCKEQEG/

ACTION: Write a Letter to the President and tell him how you feel.
http://capwiz.com/afr/utr/1/CLHGCKCRYB/FKVNCKEQEH/
For More Information:
See the Common Cause letter to President Bush and Congress on this issue.
http://capwiz.com/afr/utr/1/CLHGCKCRYB/MQSVCKEQEI/